“She was aware that I was an artist and that I've been making signs for several years now, but I just got my LLC this summer. She contacted me about her vision for the sign,” Marderosian, also an art teacher for Montgomery County Juvenile Court School, said.

The sign is part of Smales’ ongoing renovations.

Marysa Marderosian of Pictograph Signs completed the sign on Smales Pretzel Bakery in late August of 2018.

Marderosian was raised in Kettering, but said she didn’t discover Smales’ until she was in her 20s.

“I have loved going there ever since I had my first warm soft pretzel from the oven,” she said.

In the past, Marderosian worked at Wheat Penny, Coco’s Bistro and other local restaurants.

She said her bosses used her artwork to advertise the daily specials on their walls.

“My dad taught me how to draw, so I have been making art for as long as I can remember,” she wrote. “I didn't get into sign making until I worked as an artist for Trader Joe’s (2008-10). That job helped quite a bit in terms of lettering and precision.”

“They said it was the weirdest thing they have ever color-matched,” said Smales, the fifth-generation owner of the business established in 1906. “I feel pretty good about that.”

Soon you'll be able to send Smales soft pretzels anywhere in the country. Photo by

Photo: Amelia Robinson

Weather permitted, Dayton artist Marysa Marderosian of Pictograph Signs is expected to make corrections and finish the business’ sign featuring a pretzel-colored pretzel and white lettering by the end of the week.

The new sign is part of Smales’ ongoing renovations inside and outside of the building.

“We want to do our part to make (the) Twin Towers (neighborhood) a better place. Part of that is to make our building look the best it can look,” Smales said. “There has not been work on the outside of the building in 60 years. It is time for an update.”